Meaning and Phrases – Meaning of the Phrase ‘Come Out in the Wash’

idiomsmeaningphrases

One of our senior technical architects uses this phrase:

it will come out in the wash

We generally take that to mean "let's do the detailed/mundane stuff later — and concentrate on the key stuff now".

Is this right? What's the actual meaning and correct usage of this phrase?

Best Answer

It means that problems or difficulties will be resolved in due course.

AFAIK, it was first used by Cervantes in Don Quixote:

"At least," said Sancho, "your grace
was able to put your lance into its
proper perspective, aiming at my head
but landing on my shoulder, thanks to
God and my ability at leaping aside -
but never mind, it will all come out
in the wash"

[The quote varies based on the translation]

edit

@1006a was kind enough to furnish the original Spanish in a comment:

Pero vaya, que todo saldrá en la colada
[But go on, it will all work out in the wash]

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